Examining the Facts: What Angel Statues Should Look Like
Angel statues generally depict peaceful, beautiful women with delicate
wings and halos over their heads. These fairy-like creatures are
painted as eternal doers of good who watch over our lives and our
homes. But this portrayal is not an accurate representation of
angelic beings. Angels are male in form and have various duties in
the kingdom of heaven. The term angel means messenger; angels are
God’s messengers and they do God’s work. Different classes of
angels have different duties in the kingdom.
Seraph
or Seraphim
A
Seraph, or the plural Seraphim, describes angels created expressly to
ponder the attributes and ways of God. They surround the Father and
sing the praises of God night and day without ceasing. Each has six
wings. With two he covers his face, with two he covers his feet, and
with two he flies.
Cherub
or Cherubim
A
Cherub (the plural is Cherubim) is a guardian or gatekeeper of the
spiritual world. Cherubim are stationed on either side of the throne
of God and accompany Him throughout heaven. Two Cherubim were
stationed at the gate to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve when
exiled. They may be still guarding the entrance to this day. Two
golden-colored Cherubim are placed on the Mercy Seat of Christ. They
are vaguely described in the Bible. They are angelic beings with
wings and have four faces: man, ox, lion, and eagle. They have eight
conjoined wings covered with eyes, and have an ox’s feet.
Ophanim
Ophanim
are depicted as a wheel within a wheel, covered with many eyes. They
move in sync with the Seraphim in the throne room of God.
Thrones
Thrones
are a category of angels that embody God’s perfect justice and
authority. They emanate God’s light and righteousness.
Dominions
Dominions
are the group of angels who preside over the nations of Earth. They
dispatch duties to the lower classes of angels. They are believed to
look like divinely beautiful humans with a pair of feathered wings,
and carry a scepter and a sword. These angels are sometimes
represented as angel statues guarding the entryway of churches or
homes.
Principalities
Principalities
are angels that carry out the orders of the Dominions. They may have
inspired men to write the Bible, paint Holy artwork and sing praises
to God. They are often depicted as wearing a crown and carrying a
scepter.
Powers
These
are angles charged with recording history. They oversee the
distribution of power among men. They are mighty warriors who battle
the fallen angels and are ever seen without their swords. They may be
the class of angels responsible for accompanying a new baby into the
world and carrying the souls of saints to heaven.
Archangels
Archangels
are the chief princes of all angels. They are concerned with the
commerce, politics and military matters of a region. They protect
God’s people. The archangel mentioned in the Bible is named
Michael. Some angel statues are seen representing Michael the
Archangel slaying the great dragon as described in the book of
Revelation.
Angels
Angels
are the class of beings that interact with men. They bring messages,
and are involved with the details of our everyday lives. They take on
any shape that helps them accomplish their mission.
These
historical characteristic classifications of angelic beings are
seldom depicted by angel statues today. A few remnants of these
traditional images can be seen on centuries old buildings and
churches.









